Is Sam Darnold leaving the Vikings after Daniel Jones’ arrival?
Daniel Jones' addition to the Vikings has put a question mark behind Sam Darnold’s future with the team despite his phenomenal success.
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Sam Darnold's future uncertain after Daniel Jones' arrival (Via Vikings Wire/CNN)
After parting ways with the New York Giants, Daniel Jones got his wish of joining a playoff contender team as he signed with the Minnesota Vikings (9-2). However, his addition has put a question mark behind Sam Darnold’s future with the Vikings.
The Vikings truly hit a jackpot this season when they acquired Darnold from free agency. Although they drafted J.J. McCarthy to be the starter, head coach Kevin O’Connell believed that the rookie was not ready to step on the field yet. Hence, he made Darnold the starter and he showcased his prowess by building a 9-2 record.
However, he signed a one-year deal with the Vikings and is expected to enter free agency next season with a higher value after his success in 2024. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the odds of Darnold returning next season are likely as McCarthy is still recovering from his knee injury.
As far as Jones is concerned, he is not willing to carry the responsibility of a team on his shoulders and intends to develop behind a strong offense.
It’s simply a smart way for the Vikings to explore their options and keep their quarterback situation flexible for the future.
Diana Russini reported
Daniel Jones to the Vikings makes perfect sense. No matter what happens the rest of this season Darnold won’t be back with the @Vikings per sources.. which gives Jones an opportunity to play next season if 1st rounder J J McCarthy struggles
— trey wingo (@wingoz) November 27, 2024
Joining the Vikings was the turning point of Darnold’s career as he recorded 2,717 yards and 21 touchdowns in the last 12 games of the season. On top of that, his quarterback rating of 59.4 is ranked 14th best in the league, and touchdowns the fourth-best.
Sam Darnold welcomes Daniel Jones to Vikings with open arms
When the Vikings acquired Jones, many expected signal-caller Darnold to be upset. But he gave the exact opposite reaction by expressing his happiness about the new addition to the Vikings quarterback room.
Signing DJ today, very happy to be teammates with him. Spent some time with him in the past. Great guy. He’s played a lot of football, so just to be able to draw from his experience in certain things is going to help this football team.
Sam Darnold told the reporters about Daniel Jones
Just as joining the Vikings rejuvenated Darnold’s career, Jones is aiming the same as it would give him the flexibility and space to lay back and learn behind a strong offense without the pressure of being the starter. With a 9-2 record, Minnesota is poised to advance to the playoffs and aiming for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Related: Cam Newton wants the Jets to draft a quarterback and not cut Aaron Rodgers either
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)